History of the Department
The Department of History and Archeology was established in 1993 as a Unit in the Department of Arts. The pioneer academic staff members were late Professor (then Dr.) C.C. Agbodike and Professor (then Dr.) Ngozi Ojiakor. Following the creation of Faculty of Arts, it became a fully-fledged Department and has its programmes fully accredited by National Universities Commission in 2005.
A major milestone in the annals of the history of the Department was the approval granted by the Senate of the University in the application of the then Head of the Department, Mrs. Ngozi Ojiakor which was made for the review of its syllabus and the modification of its nomenclature. Consequently in 2000/2001 session, the Department of History and Archaeology under the leadership of Dr. Ngozi Ojiakor became the Department of History and International Studies. A thorough review of the syllabus and foci of the Department, incorporating elements of the Social Sciences approach in the study of international affairs and analysis of historical events are the high points of this new development. It also led to an increase in number of candidates applying for admission into the Department. Ever since, the Department has continued to grow in staff strength and students intake. It has expanded the scope of its academic programmes. In the 1998/99 session, it admitted the first batch of Postgraduate students.
With regards to the total number of its turnout since inception; about 900 graduates have been produced; three of which and graduated in First Class honours in 2003/2004 and 2008/2009;2009/2010 session respectively. Its M.A. programme has also turned out about 45 graduates; while the Department has equally produced four doctoral degree holders. The Department’s Continuing Education Programme (CEP) commenced in 2001/2002 session; and till date, there are about 200 registered CEP students undergoing the six-year CEP programme of the university.
As part of its contribution to the academic growth of the Faculty of Arts in particular, the University community and global community at large, the Department’s official academic journal known as UZU: Journal of History and International Studies was first published in the 2007/2008 session, and has published additional two(2) editions. Most of the academic staff members belong to many academic professional associations such as the African Studies Association (ASA) USA; Association of American Studies, Association and the Historial society of Nigeria. The students have their own association for the promotion of the study of History and Diplomacy known as National Association of History and International Studies (NAHISS).
Heads of Department
Dr. C.C. Agbodike 1993 – 1999
Mrs. Ngozi Ojiakor 2000 – 2002
Professor C.C. Agbodike 2002 – 2004
Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ojiakor 2004 – 2006
Dr. Dan Chujwu 2006 – 2008
Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Orjiakor 2008 – 2010
Prof. (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Emejulu 2010 – 2015
Prof. Dan Chukwu 2015 till date
Objectives of the Programme
The Department of History and International Studies aims at:
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Contributing to the formation of an informed and concerned citizenry.
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Giving students a firm and broad grounding in several aspects of Nigerian, African and World history.
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Educating students in historical movements and issues of international global importance to enable them acquire better knowledge of the world and thus promote world peace.
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Providing students with sound insight into their heritage and helping them to develop an intelligent, sympathetic and dispassionate understanding of the various ramifications of the past and contemporary Nigerian, African and World problems.
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Instilling in students a critical and broad mind such that will enable them appreciate the various dimensions of any given issue.
Emphasis is placed on such issues as the symbiotic relationship of Nigerian peoples, the need for national integration, problems and prospects of Nation building in African, European, and American History, and International affairs especially in areas of diplomacy, world peace, strategic studies, world economic and political order, foreign policy, and the development of modern government. In addition, students of the departments are required to undertake supervised research projects, which introduce them to the rudiments of research in History and International Studies.
Undergraduate Programme Run
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A 4-year degree programme leading to the award of B.A. (Honours), History and International Studies. This is for students admitted through JAMB/UME entrance examination.
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A 3-year B.A (Honours) degree programme for student admitted through direct entry.
Admimssion Requirements
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UME
Admission into the Department by entrance examination requires all candidates to pass the JAMB/UME entrance examination and satisfy the minimum university requirements, i.e. five credits in Senior Secondary School Certificate or the General Certificate of Education at credit level or above, including History/Government and English Language.
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Direct Entry
In order to qualify for direct entry, a candidate must obtain a good pass at the NCE, GCE, (Advanced Level) or H.S.C. in History/Government or Social Studies and in at least one of the following subjects: Economics, Geography, Government, History or any other related subjects. The candidates will in addition have five credits at SSCE/GCE in related subjects.
Note: It is vital to stress that most of the courses are compulsory; however, Elective courses are specifically listed for students to choose from.
Stress Areas and Codes
The courses in the programme have been categorized into stress area and codes. The codes are derived from the courses level, i.e. the year in which the course is being offered, the number assigned to the stress area and the frequency of the course stress.
Stress Area Code
General themes 0
Nigerian History 1
African History 2
European including USSR 3
Americans and the Caribbean 4
The Near and Far East 5
International Studies 6
Methodology 7
Project/Seminar 8